The course “Typography and Layout I” serves as an introduction to the essential principles of visual communication. Beginning with the foundational elements of design, we delve into a variety of compositional techniques, exploring concepts such as grids, symmetry, balance, rhythm, and proportion models like the golden ratio, the Fibonacci sequence, and Le Corbusier's Modulor measurement system.Next, we shift our focus to typography. Here, we dissect fonts into their individual components, learning to distinguish, combine, and effectively utilize various typefaces. This section also emphasizes the nuances of text perception and readability, addressing key factors like spacing, line height, and text alignment. As we progress, we will explore layout—the arrangement and organization of elements on a page—while also covering aspects such as formats (both digital and analog) and color theory (CMYK and RGB). Through a series of hands-on exercises, students will gradually build their confidence and intuition in working with type and layout.Designed as a block event at the start of the academic year, this course lays a solid foundation for students' graphic, typographic, and compositional endeavors throughout their studies. In our final session on October 18, 2024, we will transition to the printing workshop, where we will have the exciting opportunity to create our own multicolored (typo)graphic cards using a risograph.
Title KB 1.4 / MS 1.3 Typografie und Layout I
Description The course “Typography and Layout I” serves as an introduction to the essential principles of visual communication. Beginning with the foundational elements of design, we delve into a variety of compositional techniques, exploring concepts such as grids, symmetry, balance, rhythm, and proportion models like the golden ratio, the Fibonacci sequence, and Le Corbusier's Modulor measurement system.Next, we shift our focus to typography. Here, we dissect fonts into their individual components, learning to distinguish, combine, and effectively utilize various typefaces. This section also emphasizes the nuances of text perception and readability, addressing key factors like spacing, line height, and text alignment. As we progress, we will explore layout—the arrangement and organization of elements on a page—while also covering aspects such as formats (both digital and analog) and color theory (CMYK and RGB). Through a series of hands-on exercises, students will gradually build their confidence and intuition in working with type and layout.Designed as a block event at the start of the academic year, this course lays a solid foundation for students' graphic, typographic, and compositional endeavors throughout their studies. In our final session on October 18, 2024, we will transition to the printing workshop, where we will have the exciting opportunity to create our own multicolored (typo)graphic cards using a risograph.
Learning Objective The aim of this course is to convey the essential theoretical foundations of typography and composition in a concise and engaging manner, while also applying these concepts in practical exercises. Students will become familiar with the key tools of visual communication and will explore both the syntactic and semantic relationships between form and content. They will learn to distinguish fonts based on their characteristics and usage, gain an understanding of the principles of micro- and macro-typography, and be able to create simple layouts for both print and digital media. This course encourages a more mindful approach to typography, which is valuable not only for creating communication materials but also for the students' own artistic practices.
Form of Assessment Ongoing participation, exercises, final presentationRequirement: 75% attendance
Recommended Prerequisites Knowledge of Adobe InDesign is advantageous but will also be provided in the course.